SBR COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL OPENING TEST
17/3/2005 16:20 (Press Release) -
Back-to-back V8 Supercar champions Stone Brothers Racing successfully completed their first test of 2005 at Queensland Raceway near Ipswich today.
In hot conditions, both Pirtek Racing’s Marcos Ambrose and Caltex Racing’s Russell Ingall managed several fast laps after bedding brakes and other major components for this year’s opening championship round at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide next month.
It was an early start for the pair which finished 1-2 in the V8 Supercar Championship Series last year with a 90-minute photo-shoot kicking of the day at 7am.
Ambrose and Ingall were joined at the test by endurance co-drivers Warren Luff and Luke Youlden who also did several laps in both cars with some pleasing lap times.
In total, both cars completed about 120 laps, with Luff and Youlden doing about 30 laps each, according to team co-owner Ross Stone.
“The whole day was very pleasing and helped continue a good feeling within our team,” said Stone.
“Our times got gradually better as the day went on, despite the air temperature of about 35 degrees.
“I did not think Warren and Luke would get that many laps and it was encouraging that they got a few good solid runs through the day.”
Like most of the SBR crew, Ambrose was itching to get back to a race track and into his championship-winning Falcon.
“I have to say it was great to get my butt back into the Pirtek Ford again,” said Ambrose.
“It has been a very long day, but I think we have made some good gains.
“The day was really trouble free and that allowed everyone plenty of laps, especially Warren and Luke.
“I am looking forward to the support races at the (Foster’s Australian) Grand Prix in Melbourne next week.”
Ingall has been getting his eye-in with several ride days in the new SBR three-seater in recent weeks.
“For the first test of the season I have to say it was pretty pleasing,” said Ingall.
“Both cars were pretty quick straight out of the box and I think it was a case of picking up from where we left off in 2004.
“Everyone is pretty pumped about this season and even more so after today.”
Fans will have the chance to meet Marcos Ambrose and Russell Ingall and have a look at their cars close up at the SBR Fan Day at their Yatala workshop this Saturday from 9am-2pm. Entry is free of charge.
Release Date: 23/02/2005
Stone Brothers Racing
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